In a recent interview with The PUNCH, Prof. Emmanuel Oshodeke, a representative of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), disclosed that universities across Nigeria may witness strikes in 2024 due to the insufficient budget allocated to the education sector and poor remuneration.
Oshodeke expressed disappointment in the 2024 education budget, which stands at N2.18 trillion or 7.9% of the total budget.
Despite campaign promises by President Bola Tinubu to increase the education sector to at least 15%, the current allocation falls short of the expectations set by both national and international benchmarks.
Oshodeke emphasized that without a significant budget increase, the sector is unlikely to progress, and ASUU may mobilize for nationwide strikes if their demands are not met.
Other concerns raised include the brain drain caused by low salaries, the need for an increment in lecturers' salaries, and improvements in governance within the education sector.
The article sheds light on the critical issues facing the Nigerian education system and the potential repercussions of inadequate funding and remuneration.
